Esther had the rare honor of being the first and only child to be born in the White House. Born shortly after the beginning of Grover Cleveland’s second term, she was the second child and second daughter of the President and Frances Folsom. This lullaby was composed for her: “Swing, swing, baby swing / Soft as a bird on the wing. / Oh, you dear little thing, / Swing, swing swing.” Local residents flocked to the White House to catch a glimpse of Esther and her sister Ruth in their carriages.
Happy Birthday to America—and her First Daughters
President Obama isn't just celebrating the birth of the nation on July 4, he's celebrating the birth of his daughter Malia, who is turning 14. In honor of both milestones, TIME looks back through the years at other First Daughters, whose youthful exuberance reflects the best of America on her 236th birthday